New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson attended Friday’s Knicks game at Madison Square Garden hours after the team ruled him out of Sunday’s season finale due to illness. The optical clash of an ailing player enjoying a public sporting event fueled accusations that the 3-13 Giants are intentionally tanking to secure the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
New York Giants
Nov 24, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) fights of a tackle by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Jordan Whitehead (3) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Giants officially listed Johnson as out for the Jan. 4 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Friday morning. That evening, however, cameras caught Johnson courtside as the Knicks trailed the Hawks 39-30 in the second quarter. The tight end compounded the controversy by posting “I am not sick” to his Instagram story shortly after.
The NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo moved quickly to clarify the medical narrative. Garafolo wrote on X:
“Theo Johnson’s illness is an infection, “not the flu or COVID, where being around other people is a risk,” the #Giants say. Johnson wrote on his Instagram story, “I am not sick,” though the operative word seemingly should have been “contagious.””
According to the team, while his condition prevents Johnson from playing professional football, he poses no transmission risk to the public, distinguishing his status from the “operative word” regarding contagious diseases.
Theo Johnson’s illness is an infection, “not the flu or COVID, where being around other people is a risk,” the #Giants say. Johnson wrote on his Instagram story, “I am not sick,” though the operative word seemingly should have been “contagious.” https://t.co/Lm78WsQge3
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 3, 2026
Fans react as Theo Johnson attends a Knicks game
Scepticism remains high among the fanbase and media. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan noted this marks the second consecutive week Johnson missed games for the same reason. With fellow starters Dexter Lawrence and Abdul Carter also sidelined with illness designations, fans on social media penned their reaction:
One fan on X wrote that owner John Mara is “finally tanking.”
Maras finally tanking pic.twitter.com/TjqtATWDjR
— 🖍️🎯 (@SkattaDart) January 3, 2026
While another quipped the roster is “sick of [General Manager Joe] Schoen.”
Illness: sick of schoen
— Yankee (@NYsportSuperfan) January 3, 2026
“He’s sick of losing,” another wrote.
He’s sick of losing
— New England Nepo (@NENarcissist) January 3, 2026
“Schoen is tanking Mara, you said you’d fire everyone if you caught them ijs,” another wrote.
“Seriously why are Brian Burns and Dart not sick? Why did Carter recover so quickly?,” another wrote.
“NFL take away the Giants 1st rd pick,” another wrote.
Read more – “He’s Supposed To Play Sunday” Giants Star Spotted At Knicks Game After Being Ruled Out With “Illness”
The Significance of the Giants’ Sunday Game
If New York loses this last game, it will guarantee the Giants the No. 2 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they win, they might drop to the 5th or 6th pick, which makes it harder to grab a top player or trade down. The team’s new interim head coach, Mike Kafka, is focusing on young players like rookie QB Jaxson Dart and protecting their assets.
The NFL may review the Giants’ medical documentation to ensure compliance with the Personnel (Injury) Report Policy, which mandates accurate reporting. However, sitting Johnson also protects a high-value financial asset. The former Penn State Nittany Lions TE got a deal till 2027, and he’s pretty affordable at $1.17 million in 2025. Johnson’s done well too – 528 yards and 5 touchdowns, so he’s a good value for the team.
Despite his value, Johnson’s profile has generated trade speculation. The fourth-round pick, with a 6-foot-6 frame and 4.57 speed, would fit the Cincinnati Bengals, potentially commanding a late second-round or early third-round pick.
For now, the Giants remain focused on the final week of the 2025-26 season, where notable NBA roster movements – such as Kristaps Porzingis on the Hawks and Jordan Clarkson on the Knicks – served as the backdrop for the latest NFL controversy.
Read more – Giants Predicted to Land ‘Explosive, High-Motor LB’ in 2026 NFL Draft
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